Woolloongabba area receives extra heritage protections

The City of Brisbane, which incorporates the suburb of Woolloongabba, has moved to protect its character by preventing the demolition of many properties built before 1911. Municipal ordinances are often communicated via correspondence featuring custom letterheads.

An amendment to Brisbane City Council’s City Plan 2014 proposes that 57 pre-1911 homes and other heritage properties will be prevented from being demolished. They join 400 inner-city buildings previously recognised for their historical and cultural significance.

In June Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced a new blueprint for inner city areas to halt developments of apartment complexes and townhouses in streets, which are predominantly made up of single homes with their own backyards.

The council also plans to strengthen the approval process for new developments to stop large skyscrapers from blocking views of the cityscape. The Brisbane skyline between St Stephen’s Cathedral and Central Station is one such protected aspect under the amended plan.

Any future developments in and around iconic landmarks and civic spaces including the General Post Office, Post Office Square, ANZAC Square and Reddacliff Place would require very specific approvals. Brisbane City Council Planning chairman says the sites “represent everyday places where people can gather and take pride in our city."

The council is seeking public feedback on the proposed amendment before giving the go ahead to formally alter Brisbane City Plan 2014.